Supporting the Journey from Preconception Through Postpartum with Elaine Sheff, Clinical Herbalist, RH (AHG)

Happening- June 23rd @ 2pm PST

Pregnancy is one of the most transformative experiences in a person's life, and it's one of the times when people are most likely to seek out herbal support. But it's also when practitioners feel the most uncertainty.
What's safe? What's contraindicated? When do we support, and when do we step back?

In this practical class, clinical herbalist Elaine Sheff draws on over 36 years of experience (including her work as a certified instructor of Natural Family Planning and Fertility Awareness Methods) to guide you through the nuanced world of herbs for pregnancy.

This isn't a simple "safe herbs" list. Elaine will teach you how to think like a practitioner when working with pregnant clients, understanding context, individual needs, and the full spectrum of considerations that come into play.

You'll learn:

• Preconception preparation and herbs that support fertility and a healthy foundation for pregnancy
• Safe and effective herbs for common pregnancy complaints like nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and insomnia
• The "it depends" herbs and how to assess when they might be appropriate (or not)
• Clear contraindications and which herbs to avoid entirely during pregnancy
• Essential oils for pregnancy and how to use them safely and effectively
• Supporting postpartum recovery and the fourth trimester with herbs
• Building confidence in your recommendations so you can offer real help without fear
• When to refer and how to work collaboratively with midwives and healthcare providers

Elaine brings warmth, wisdom, and real-world experience to this topic. As a mother herself (including navigating a special needs journey with one of her sons), she understands the weight of responsibility that comes with supporting pregnant people. Her approach is grounded in both traditional knowledge and clinical understanding, empowering you to serve this population with confidence and care.

You'll come away with practical recipes, clear guidelines, and the clinical reasoning skills you need to support the beautiful and sometimes challenging journey of pregnancy.